In the vast and intricate world of Baldur’s Gate 3, players are not only drawn into a new narrative but also encounter echoes of the past from the franchise’s storied history. Set over a century after the events of its predecessors, this latest installment invites both newcomers and veterans to explore a fresh storyline intertwined with familiar faces and lore. As players embark on their journey, they may find themselves curious about the rich tapestry of tales woven throughout Baldur’s Gate 1 and , where pivotal characters and significant events shape the backdrop of their adventure. This guide delves into those earlier chapters, offering essential insights and summaries for anyone looking to fully appreciate the depth of this beloved series.
Before you reach for Baldur’s Gate 3, it’s worth knowing the story background of the last two predecessors – Baldur’s Gate and Baldur’s Gate 2: Shadows of Amn. After all, story is the main feature of RPGs, right? The story of Baldur’s Gate franchise is a bit complex.
Baldur’s Gate 3 takes place 100 years after the events depicted in the first two prequels. We have already mentioned that earlier. It is possible that Larian will make some deviations and changes in the outcome of the story known from the previous installments when we traversed Faerun as Bhaal’s Child – with the permission of Wizards of the Coast and according to their official content. However, this does not change the fact that references to the previous hits will most likely appear in the game. This world is full of races whose representatives can easily reach an age of several hundred years and remain in good health (if they won’t end up in dragon’s mouth). Also, resurrection is such a common procedure, or service, that it’s rather hard to die forever.
For the entire series, a key event in Faerun’s history is the Time of Troubles. During this period, the Supreme Deity – Ao, has decided to banish the rest of the pantheon from their realms and turn them into mortals. Some deities died during their journey in the world of mortal beings. Among the victims was Bhaal, the Lord of Murder, who was killed by Cyric. The patron of murderers foresaw his premature retirement and begat a legion of descendants with mortal women.
Note! In the further part of our guide you can find some major spoilers from the first installment of the series – Baldur’s Gate.
In this section of the guide you will find the following summaries:
- Baldur’s Gate
- Baldur’s Gate shadows Amn,
- Baldur’s Gate throne of Bhaala,
- A brief summary of the entire Baldur’s Gate series.
What are the key differences between the stories of Baldur’s Gate 1, 2, and 3
The stories of Baldur’s Gate 1, Baldur’s Gate 2, and Baldur’s Gate 3 present distinct narratives that reflect their respective settings and character developments, while also showcasing the evolution of storytelling in the series.
Key Differences in Storylines
Baldur’s Gate 1
- Setting and Focus: The game begins in the year 1368 DR (Dal Reckoning) and centers on the protagonist’s journey from Candlekeep to Baldur’s Gate, uncovering their identity as a Bhaalspawn—a child of the dead god Bhaal. The narrative is heavily influenced by themes of destiny and the struggle against fate.
- Main Plot: Players face off against Sarevok, another Bhaalspawn, who seeks to incite chaos and claim power. The story is more linear, focusing on personal growth and exploration of the Sword Coast.
- Character Development: The NPCs are numerous but less developed, providing a simpler narrative experience with a focus on combat and exploration rather than deep character arcs.
Baldur’s Gate 2
- Continuation and Complexity: Set shortly after the first game, it delves deeper into the protagonist’s heritage and the implications of being a Bhaalspawn. The timeline is more intricate, with a richer world filled with political intrigue.
- Main Plot: The antagonist, Irenicus, captures the player character, leading to a quest for revenge that intertwines personal stakes with broader conflicts involving various factions in Athkatla. This installment introduces more complex moral choices and character backstories.
- Character Depth: Characters are more fleshed out, each with personal quests that enhance their narratives and provide deeper emotional engagement.
Baldur’s Gate 3
- Temporal Shift: Set over 120 years after Baldur’s Gate 2, this game introduces a new cast while retaining connections to past characters and events. The world has evolved significantly, reflecting changes in politics and society within Baldur’s Gate.
- Main Plot: The story revolves around an invasion by Mind Flayers and the protagonist’s struggle against being transformed into one of them due to a parasitic infection. This central conflict introduces themes of transformation and survival.
- Narrative Style: Unlike its predecessors, Baldur’s Gate 3 employs modern storytelling techniques with fully voiced dialogue and streamlined interactions, moving away from lengthy descriptive text. This change impacts how players engage with the story, focusing on immediacy rather than exposition.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Baldur’s Gate 1 | Baldur’s Gate 2 | Baldur’s Gate 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setting Year | 1368 DR | Shortly after BG1 | Over 120 years later |
| Main Antagonist | Sarevok | Irenicus | Mind Flayers |
| Protagonist’s Identity | Bhaalspawn | Bhaalspawn | New character |
| Narrative Style | Linear with simpler character arcs | Complex with deep character quests | Modern, voice-acted dialogue |
| Themes | Destiny vs. Fate | Revenge and political intrigue | Transformation and survival |
In conclusion, while all three games share a common universe rooted in Dungeons & Dragons lore, they each present unique stories that reflect their development eras—ranging from classic RPG storytelling to modern interactive narratives.
How has the city of Baldur’s Gate evolved over the years
The city of Baldur’s Gate has undergone significant evolution over the years, shaped by historical events, political changes, and cultural developments. Here’s a concise overview of its transformation:
Early History
- Foundation: Baldur’s Gate began as a small fishing village known as Loklee, founded by the explorer Balduran around 1068 DR. His return from distant voyages led to the construction of a protective wall, marking the city’s growth into a trading hub.
- Growth into a Trading Port: As settlers arrived, Baldur’s Gate expanded rapidly, becoming a major trading port due to its strategic location along the Sword Coast. The establishment of fortifications attracted merchants and settlers alike.
Key Historical Events
- Rise of the Flaming Fist: In 1370 DR, the Flaming Fist mercenary company was formed, providing security that enabled further trade expansion and solidified Baldur’s Gate’s military strength.
- Conflicts and Wars: The city faced numerous challenges, including the Crisis of the Mask (1379 DR), a civil war involving the Flaming Fist and the Iron Throne criminal organization. These conflicts shaped its political landscape and power dynamics.
- Natural Disasters and Political Turmoil: Over the centuries, Baldur’s Gate experienced significant events such as floods (1479 DR) and various power struggles among factions, which influenced its governance and societal structure.
Changes in Recent History
- Transition to Modernity: Set over 120 years after Baldur’s Gate 2, Baldur’s Gate 3 reflects a city in turmoil due to new threats from mind flayers and dragons. This period has seen changes in leadership and societal norms, with remnants of past conflicts still evident in its streets.
- Cultural Evolution: The introduction of new technologies like printing presses signifies a shift towards modernity in communication and governance. The city is portrayed as bustling with new quests and mysteries while retaining legendary locations familiar to long-time fans.
Current State
- Political Landscape: The Flaming Fist remains influential but faces challenges from emerging factions amid ongoing threats. The city is depicted as preparing for war, indicating a continuous cycle of conflict and resolution.
- Legacy and Mystery: Despite its evolution, Baldur’s Gate retains connections to its storied past, with rumors of hidden treasures from Balduran and ongoing adventures that draw on its rich history.
In summary, Baldur’s Gate has transformed from a humble fishing village into a complex urban center marked by historical conflicts, evolving governance, and a vibrant culture that continues to captivate adventurers in both its lore and gameplay.
